West River Telecommunications Cooperative

Billing:
	When are WRT bills sent out? WRT Billing statements are usually mailed within the first five working days of each month.
	When is my payment due? Payments are due the 20th of the month and become delinquent by the first week of the following month.
	Can I pay my WRT bill in person? Yes. In addition to mailing in your payment, you can pay by cash, check or credit or debit card in WRT's offices in Hazen, Beulah, or Mobridge. Payments can also be dropped off in the payment slots at all three offices after hours. Drop off locations are also located at Krause's Super Valu in Hazen, Bronson's Super Valu in Beulah, and the Corner Express in Center.
	What are my other options for paying my bill? To help make paying your WRT bill easier and more convenient, WRT offers several free options for paying your bill: •Pay Online - With E-Bill, WRT's online billing system, customers with a valid e-mail address can pay online with a credit or debit card. You'll have the option to go completely paperless and be notified of your bill via e-mail, or keep receiving your paper bill in the mail. Click here to learn more about or sign up for E-Bill. •Pay by Bank Deduct - You'll still be able to receive and review your paper bill, but WRT will deduct the amount of your bill each month from your bank checking account. •Pay by Credit or Debit Card - WRT can automatically charge your credit or debit card each month (you'll still receive your paper bill), or if you'd like to pay by card at your convenience, simply call WRT when you get your bill and we'll take down your card information and process your payment. Call WRT at 748-2211 for more details or to sign up for any of these free billing options!
	Why does my first bill amount seem larger than normal? Your first bill may be larger than normal because WRT bills one month in advance (except for Long Distance charges). When you start your new services, charges will appear from the date you started service through the end of the next month's billing cycle. For example, if you start a new service on July 12, you will see charges on your first bill from July 12 through August 31. Charges and fees will be prorated to reflect the partial month. Your bill shows these dates of service in the "Effective Date" column.
	What do the taxes and charges on my phone bill mean? •911 Surcharge: A local government-mandated charge to fund emergency 911 services. •Federal Access Charge: A flat monthly charge, established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). •Telecom Relay Service Fund: A state charge used to fund relay centers and special equipment to assist the hearing and speech impaired. •Federal Universal Service Line Charge: A flat monthly charge, established by the FCC, assessed to bring affordable phone service to all Americans, regardless of where they live. •Federal, State, and Local Taxes: These charges are imposed according to government guidelines and passed on the the appropriate agencies.
	Who do I contact if I have more questions on my bill? Just call WRT at 748-2211. A customer service representative will be happy to answer all your questions.

DSL:
	What is WRT's High-Speed Digital Broadband Internet Service? WRT's High-Speed Digital Broadband Internet, also known as DSL, is a High-Speed Internet Service that's at least 25 times faster than dial-up. It's an always-on connection so you don't need to bother with dialing up! Just turn on your computer and you'll be ready to download music, surf the web, or even catch up on your favorite TV shows online!
	Do I need a second phone line? NO - DSL works on your existing phone line and eliminates the need for a second line. You can talk on your phone and surf at the same time, and your DSL will not slow down.
	How much does DSL cost? It will depend on how fast you want to be (all prices include Internet service) •Up to 10 Meg Down* / 512K Up - $24.95** / monthly with Phone & Features Bundle •Up to 10 Meg Down* / 1 Meg Up - $95.00 / monthly •Up to 10 Meg Down* / 1.5 Meg Up - $195.00 / monthly •Up to 10 Meg Down* / 2 Meg Up - $245.00 / monthly (* where available) (** Regular Price $34.95/month)
	What are the recommended computer requirements? WRT recommends the following for IBM Compatible: • 900 MHz Pentium class processor or higher • Windows 2000, XP or Vista • CD Rom Drive • 512MB RAM • 200 MB free hard disk space For MacIntosh: we require Operating System of 10 or higher (Requires Network Modem) * NOTE: For any customer’s computer with lower specifications they need to visit with the Internet Dept.
	Why does it cost more for higher speeds? Higher speeds use more bandwidth. Bandwidth is the data transmission path. The faster the speed, the more bandwidth needed to maintain the level of speed.
	Do I need special equipment? You will need a G-Lite or G-DMT standard modem. WRT has several modem types available, depending upon your computer. We recommend using our Netopia router as they have already been tested with our DSL equipment. •Comtrend CT5071 Router - $49.95 •Comtrend CT5361 Router with Wireless - $115.00
	Do I have to buy my modem from West River? NO - You may purchase your modem elsewhere. If you purchase a modem other than the ones listed below, we cannot guarantee they will be compatible with our DSL equipment. Keep in mind not all DSL equipment is compatible with one another. •Comtrend CT5071 Router •Comtrend CT5361 Router with Wireless •Netopia 2240-N Router •Netopia 2241-N Router •Netopia 2246 Router •Netopia 2247W Router with Wireless
	Does the modem have a warranty? Yes - all modems purchased from WRT have a manufacturer’s parts & labor warranty for hardware. The Netopia is good for 1 year, while the Comtrend warranty is good for 2 years from date of purchase.
	What are the installation costs? Installation is now FREE ($165 Value) with WRT’s New DSL Premier Installation! A technician will come to your home at no charge to install your High-Speed Digital Broadband Internet. You'll just have to connect your modem and you'll be ready to go! The following services are included in WRT's New Free DSL Premier Installation: •Verify Line $30 Value •Service Order Charge $20 Value •CO Configuration $10 Value •Configure Router $10 Value •Protector Filter $20 Value •I & R Trip Charge $15 Value •DSL Premier Installation $50 Value •FREE DSL Premier Installation $165 Value Note: Additional charges may apply if installation work beyond a normal install is required.
	How long does it take to get DSL? The minimum standard is 10 working days. The customer needs to be home for the premise visit.
	Will my E-mail address stay the same? Absolutely! There's no change unless you want to.
	I have a laptop--can I set up Wireless Internet with WRT's DSL? Yes. Wireless Modems are available from WRT so you can surf from virtually anywhere in your home or business--also installed FREE with WRT's DSL Premier Installation!
	Will DSL work on a network of computers? Yes - but you may have to purchase a network card* for each computer. Available for $25 from WRT. Note: Technical Charges ($75 per hour) will apply in cases where customer needs assistance.
	How can I protect my PC against spyware and viruses? WRT can help you protect against spyware, viruses and more with SecureIT Plus. SecureIT Plus provides the only fully automated and guaranteed computer protection service. It includes protection against spyware and viruses, as well as automated installation of Microsoft updates and automated disk maintenance.
	How can I receive assistance with my High-Speed Internet Service? Local tech support is available by calling 748-2211, emailing techdesk@westriv.com or by clicking the link at the top of our web page for Live Chat. WRT offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
	How do I setup my DSL?

SecureIT :
	What is SecureIT Plus? SecureIT Plus, a new service from WRT, provides the only fully automated and guaranteed protection for your home or small business. SecureIT Plus provides everything you need to safely navigate the Internet and effectively use your computer, including virus, spyware, and adware protection. You also receive firewall protection, automated installation of Microsoft patch updates, and automated hard drive maintenance and optimization. You'll also get free technical support by phone and a monthly report by e-mail so you can see how SecureIT Plus has protected your computer.
	Why do I need SecureIT plus? .According to national survey statistics: • The majority of anti-virus programs are not updated or set up properly. • 80% of computer users have spyware programs installed on their computers. • 63% of computer users have experienced at least one problem associated with spyware or viruses in the past year. With SecureIT Plus, you'll never have to worry about Internet security again. You'll no longer waste time trying to pick the right products, installing them yourself, ensuring that they remain updated, and keeping up with the increasing number of Internet threats.
	Is there anything that I need to do to keep things updated? No. SecureIT Plus keeps itself up to date and does all the work for you.
	What are the advantages of SecureIT Plus over Norton, McAfee and other programs ? A recent survey conducted by the National Cyber Security Alliance found that the majority of computer users did not have their anti-virus protection installed correctly or did not have it updated. SecureIT Plus is fully automated. Once professionally installed, you don't have to do anything to make sure SecureIT Plus stays updated. With Norton or McAfee you must install, maintain, and make sure the service stays updated. In addition, unlike other programs, SecureIT's protection is guaranteed.
	How is SecureIT Plus installed? Installation is easy--call the toll-free number and a technician will install the service on your computer remotely.
	How do I know that I am being protected? You will receive a monthly e-mail report detailing the activities that have been executed by your SecureIT Plus software. You can check the reports online any time.
	What does SecureIT Plus cost? For only $4.95 monthly, WRT customers can experience complete peace of mind from the Internet threats to your PC. SecureIT Plus one-time professional installation costs $14.95.

WildBlue:
	What is WildBlue? WildBlue is a satellite-delivered High-Speed Internet service for customers who have not previously had access to High-Speed Internet.
	Where is it available? WRT's High-Speed Digital Broadband Internet Service (DSL) is available to approximately 94% of our customers. The few customers who aren't able to get DSL can still experience affordable High-Speed Internet with WildBlue. It's available in virtually any location across the contiguous United States and provided to you locally by WRT!
	Why should I sign up for WildBlue? WildBlue provides access to the Internet at speeds up to 30 times faster than dial-up. With WildBlue, you get an "always-on" connection, which means no dialing-in or other delays.
	Is it hard to use? Not at all. WRT will professionally install your WildBlue system. You can use your same web browser and e-mail program and go to the same sites just like you always have--but a lot faster!
	What does Wildblue cost? WRT Members pay just $34.95 per month for the 512K Value Pak! (Regular price $49.95 per month.) Additional speeds are available, including a Select Pak for $69.95 (1Meg) and Pro Pak for $79.95 (1.5 Meg).
	Are there any installation or set-up costs? WRT Members receive standard installation & hardware-a $299 value-for FREE! For more details on pricing and installation, call WRT at 748-2211.
	Do I need any special equipment or hardware with WildBlue? WRT provides you with all the equipment you need (a WildBlue mini dish and a WildBlue modem) included in your FREE standard installation! (a $299 value). However, WildBlue and WRT strongly suggest you purchase a router as well. Routers sell for around $50-$75, allow multiple users on the Internet at the same time (wired and/or wireless), protect you from "Internet born" viruses and prevent users from "hacking" into your computer.
	Do you offer a limited warranty on the equipmentt? Yes. You will receive a 90 day labor/12 months parts limited warranty on all equipment at no charge when you become a customer.
	Can I use wireless home networking with WildBlue? Yes. WildBlue is compatible with all major wireless home networking products.
	What operating systems are compatible with WildBlue? Windows/PC: 2000, XP or Vista Mac: OS 10.4 or higher.
	Who do I call if I have a problem? Just call the friendly customer care agents at WildBlue - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll-free at 1-888-326-3035.
	How fast is the service? How does it compare to cable modems and DSL? WildBlue always-on broadband Internet connection provides a user experience similar to most DSL services. We offer download speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps - more than 30 times faster than today's dial-up speeds. We offer upload speeds up to 256 Kbps. WildBlue's high bandwidth opens up a window to a world of rich content that is largely unavailable through dial-up modems.
	Do I need a southern line of sight to receive a signal from the satellite? Yes. You will need a clear view of the southern sky to receive the WildBlue signal.
	Can I extend my WildBlue to a second premise on my property (i.e. shop, barn)? Possibly. In most cases Ethernet extenders can be installed to provide Internet access to the second location on the same property provided there is available telephone cable between the two premises. A router must also be installed to allow multiple connections to WildBlue. Ethernet extenders sell for $160 plus labor and additional materials.
	Can I get WildBlue service in a mobile vehicle like an RV or boat? Not at this time. WildBlue service was designed for stationary locations like homes and small businesses. WildBlue does not offer broadband service for mobile vehicles at this time.
	What types of email options do I get with my WildBlue account? WildBlue offers an advanced suite of Internet services including the commonly used POP3 (like Outlook or Outlook Express) and web-based email options. WildBlue customers will receive between 5 and 10 email addresses (each with at least 100MB capacity depending on the package chosen). More email address and additional capacity are available for a minimal extra charge. Learn more about the packages we offer for your home or small office.
	Do you limit heavy bandwidth users? As is standard with other Internet Service Providers, WildBlue ensures that its service operates at optimum speeds for all its customers. Since WildBlue is a shared network, we have a Fair Access Policy to ensure that extraordinary usage by a few customers doesn't negatively affect the normal usage of other customers. For the vast majority of users, the Fair Access Policy has no effect on their usage. For a very few heavy bandwidth users, the system may restrict their bandwidth and therefore their speed.
	What is the installation process like? Can I install my own dish? WildBlue professional installers quickly install equipment and activate WildBlue's broadband service at your chosen location. The satellite mini-dish is about 26 inches x 28 inches and can be easily mounted on a roof, outside wall or in the ground. A cable from the dish connects to a satellite modem ( a small box usually placed next to the computer), which connects to your computer via an Ethernet connection. Installation requires an installation professional to make sure that the dish is pointed at the satellite accurately and to verify that all connections are made properly. Self installation is not offered.
	Is WildBlue service affected by weather? WildBlue service is only minimally affected by the weather, and only under extreme conditions. Like with satellite TV services, during a very heavy rainstorm, you may notice slower WildBlue speeds, but this should normally only last a few minutes.